Recreation
Shenandoah is teeming with recreational activities in beautiful well-equipped destinations. The activities keep residents and visitors active and entertained throughout the year. You see here just a few of the recreation highlights.
Wabash Trace Nature Trail
The trail runs through Shenandoah in Sportsmans Park, Waubonsie Park, and exists town next to Rosehill Cemetery. Wabash Trace Nature Trail was established in 1989 and is a converted rail line running 63 miles from Council Bluffs to the Missouri boarder. The trail is tree lined creating a canopy of shade. It's mostly flat with a crushed limestone surface. A few areas are paved. The beautiful Trace trail is perfect for bicycling, hiking, running and even cross country skiing in winter. Check their website for more details and a map: wabashtrace.org Brochure maps are also available at Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association office.
Wabash Trace Nature Trail Marathon, Half Marathon & Marathon Relay
The annual fundraising trail race started in 2012. It is organized by Shenandoah Chamber & Industry Association, Southwest Iowa Nature Trails, City of Imogene and Sons & Daughters of Imogene. The out and back marathon and relay races begin and end in downtown Shenandoah running north on the trail. The half marathon begins in Imogene and ends in Shenandoah. The races are chip timed and the marathon is USATF Certified, Boston Qualifier.
18 City Parks & Recreation Centers
Shenandoah's parks include new playground equipment, 6 newly surfaced tennis courts, multiple baseball/softball fields, disk golf, basketball courts, and colorful gardens planted by the Shenandoah Home & Garden Club. The golf course, community fitness center and swimming pool are also run by the city. Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of youth sports activities. Learn more at the city website: shenandoahiowa.net.
Wilson Aquatic Center
The city pool is located in Sportsmans Park on the north end of town. It features zero-depth entry water level, two large curvy slides, lap swimming, small playground, and concession stand. Sign up for swimming lessons through park & recreation youth activities programs. Shenandoah's swim team also hold practices and meets at the Wilson Aquatic Center.
Shenandoah Golf Course
A scenic 18-hole public course that features spacious greens, lake, sand bunkers and fairways lines with trees. City Parks and Recreation Department now manages the course formerly operated by the American Legion. It's an active course with many tournaments and league play. The clubhouse includes a pro-shop and The Elm Street Grill Restaurant. More information is at: shenandoahiowagolf.com
Rapp Park
Page County Conservation transformed what was once a sand quarry into a 200-acre wetland named for a Shenandoah businessman after receiving a grant from the Rapp Estate to develop the park. It's located 2 miles north of Shenandoah on Highway 48. Fishing, ice fishing, camping, hiking, kayaking, and bird watching a popular at Rapp Park. No wake boats can be launched from boat ramps. Its lakes are stocked with a variety of fish, including the hybrid Wipper Bass, Walleye, Blue Gill, Trout and more. The lakes also provide habitat for tens of thousands of waterfowl making it beautiful site for photography. In spring Snow Geese, Canadian Geese, Blue Herrin, Swans, Pelicans, and more flock to the park. Trailor camping sites with electricity and primitive tent camping sites are available as well as picnic shelters. They can be reserved by contacting: https://pagecounty.iowa.gov/offices/conservation/ or 712-542-3864.
Fitness Centers
Two first rate fitness facilities and a public gym keep Shenandoahans and visitors in top shape.
The Shenandoah Medical Center’s Wellness Center is a 10,000-square foot, progressively designed facility featuring an open
gym, adjustable depth rehabilitation pool, private-treatment rooms, an occupational therapy suite, and activities-of-daily
living kitchen to meet wellness needs. It’s located on the SMC campus at 2 Jack Foster Drive:
https://smchospital.com/wellness-center-2/
Shenandoah City Fitness Center is located downtown on Elm St. It is a 24-hour card operated entry with membership only $20 a month.
The massive amount of fitness equipment includes free weights with racks, weight machines, treadmills, stair climbers, ellipticals,
and spinning cycles. Regular spinning and other classes are held during the week.
Memorial Armory Gymnasium is open to the public at the corner of Thomas Avenue and Sycamore St. 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday
for basketball, volleyball and a walking track.
Sportsplex
Located at the south edge of Shenandoah 1700 S. Fremont St. (Hwy 59) SportsPlex has something for everyone young and old. Activities include mini golf, go karts, jungle gym playground, inflatables, arcade, batting cages, driving range, and the newest game pickleball. They also have snacks, treats and ice cream for sale and book parties. Visit their Facebook page for more information: @sportsplexShenandoah.
Little Waite Lanes
Little Waite Lanes at 1002 W Thomas Avenue has league play, open bowling and is home to Shenandoah’s Iowa High School State Champion bowling team. A game room with arcade and virtual golf are also in the facility. They serve pizza and other snacks. Find out more at the Facebook page: @LittleWaiteLanes.
